Senior Resources

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Senior Resource Provided throughout Troy and Southeast Michigan

Social Services

Blind and Low Vision Services: The Michigan Bureau of Services for Blind Persons provides advocacy and rehabilitation services to legally blind persons 55 and older. This free service is available to all regardless of income. For information, call 800.292.4200.

Legally blind adults can receive education and rehabilitation services from the nonprofit Greater Detroit Agency for the Blind and Visually Impaired. Call 313.272.3900.

The Detroit Radio Information Service (DRIS) is a free closed-circuit broadcast service for blind and print-impaired persons. It offers the reading of local and national newspapers and magazines, TV listings, public service announcements, short stories, store advertisements, and more. Call 313.577.4224 to get a radio.

Oakland County Talking Books has described movies you can borrow. Call 248.650.7150.

Caregivers Assistance: The Area Agency on Aging 1-B can help caregivers determine which home care options are available. Some options include assistance with housekeeping, meal preparation, bathing and grooming, transportation and short-term respite opportunities. For more information call 800.852.7795 or visit aaa1b.com.

Elder Abuse: If you are being physically or mentally abused by a spouse or family member, or suspect this is happening to an elderly neighbor, call the Michigan Department of Human Services for Oakland County at 855.444.3911.

Elder Care Locator: This nationwide directory assistance service of the Administration on Aging can put you in touch with local services that help seniors remain independent. Contact 800.677.1116 or eldercare.gov.

Elderlaw of Michigan: This agency will help you with a variety of services including food stamps, Medicaid, financial assistance, pension rights, legal hotline, benefit enrollment and elder abuse. Call 800.347.5297 or visit elderlawofmi.org.

Emergency Cell Phones: Free cell phones able to dial 911 only are available at the Oakland County Sheriff’s office. Call 248.975.9700.

Emergency Services from Lighthouse of Oakland County: Low income Oakland County residents in a crisis situation may be able to receive food, housing and utility assistance from Lighthouse. Call 248.920.6100.

Focus Hope food is distributed at the Troy Community Center once a month. See the Fifty Forward for details.

Contact Troy People Concerned at 248.528.9199 for holiday food baskets.

St. Anastasia Church in Troy operates a food pantry. Call 248.689.8380 for more information.

Oakland Livingston Human Service Agency: This nonprofit United Way agency offers many social services to low-income seniors including chore service and installation of home safety devices (grab bars, raised toilet seats, etc). Call 248.542.5860 or visit olhsa.org.

Telephone Assistance: Qualifying low income persons may apply for the Lifeline Telephone Assistance Program to receive discounts on telephone bills. You may receive assistance for your land line or wireless line, but not both. If you have questions, call the Michigan Public Service Commission at 517.284.8100.

Utility Assistance: Assistance paying utility bills may be available through the Oakland Livingston Human Service Agency if you have a shut-off notice or past due bill. Call 248.542.5860.

For a Complete List of Senior Citizen Housing Options in Oakland County, call the Area Agency on Aging 1-B at 800.852.7795.

Facility RegistrationAll retirement facilities (often called continuing care facilities) that require an entrance fee must be registered with the Michigan Department of Community Health and must provide you with a disclosure statement describing the services they provide before you sign a lease. To find out if a facility is registered, call 517.372.1837. You may also call this number to file a complaint or to check if a complaint has been filed.

Long Term Care AssistanceThe State Long Term Care Ombudsman will provide information about long term care facilities in Michigan and investigate and help resolve complaints about these facilities. Call 866.485.9393.

For Help Selecting a Nursing HomeContact Lakeshore Legal Aid at 586.510.1814 or visit their website.